AFD automates file distribution, distributing files to local machines or remote hosts.
Typically, users distribute data by having individuals fetch data from a common place, such as a database, FTP-server, or the World Wide Web. However, this method is not always the most user-friendly or customer-oriented way for companies or organizations to distribute their products. To address this issue, AFD was created to provide a better service by delivering the required data directly to the location where it's needed.
When distributing files to a remote host, AFD uses the FTP or SMTP protocol. Local distribution is done by copying files from one directory to another. AFD has one central configuration file, DIR_CONFIG, where the system administrator can specify which files are to be distributed and where they are to be sent.
Some noteworthy features of AFD include the ability to send/retrieve any file type, regardless of contents or naming conventions. Only the files are distributed, with no additional information included. AFD also boasts a highly sophisticated and compact X11 interface, afd_ctrl, to monitor and control file distribution activities, with extensive logging capabilities.
AFD is even capable of sending files to locations where no AFD is installed. Multiple processes can distribute files to a single host, enabling uninterrupted distribution of files while larger files are still being sent. Plus, when net capacity is limited, files can be distributed according to priority.
Other benefits of AFD include its ability to append files if transfers are interrupted, preventing resending of already transmitted data. A whole network of AFD's can be monitored and controlled through a single interface, mon_ctrl.
The main limitation of AFD is that it requires X11R5 and Motif 1.2.x (or higher) to operate.
In the latest release, AFD has added a bootup script for afd_mon and implemented splice() support. When sending files, AFD can now keep the connection open.
Version 1.3.6: N/A